Date of Award
9-2010
Document type
dissertation
Access Type
Open Access Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Degree Program
Education (also CAGS)
First Advisor
Joseph Berger
Second Advisor
Benita Barnes
Third Advisor
Daniel Gerber
Subject Categories
Education
Abstract
Community colleges have always played a crucial role in providing access to college, especially for students with disabilities. At the same time the rate of completion is exceptionally low for this particular population (Belch, 2004). In order to improve persistence and achievement measurably, colleges may seek clues in successful transitions by students with disabilities. This project presents a qualitative research study to illuminate factors that contribute to semester-by-semester success of community college students with disabilities during their first year. A conceptual model of successful transitional processes was developed from theoretical constructs reported in the literature and was expanded by data from individual case studies. Seven very strong stages emerged as a result of the research. These stages were: 1) pre-college experiences that influence academic involvement, 2) initial encounters that created first impressions, 3) transition shock, 4) support-seeking and strategic adjustment 5) prioritizing and balancing of college and non-college commitments, 6) recognizing success, and 7) a sense of belonging to the college community. These results indicated a successful transition into college is an important first step in persistence for students with disabilities. Persistence of students with disabilities requires further attention and research in order to improve graduation rates of these students at community colleges.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/1670056
Recommended Citation
Corcoran, Lori A., "Factors Influencing Transition and Persistence in the First Year for Community College Students with Disabilities" (2010). Open Access Dissertations. 276.
https://doi.org/10.7275/1670056
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/open_access_dissertations/276